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Desert Southwest Guide

https://www.where2goguides.com/g/wendy-and-justin/desert-southwest

Our favorite destinations in the desert for (mostly) outdoor activities

Activities / Places

#1.Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park

want to go park hiking / walking

#2.The Belly of the Dragon trailhead

want to go trailhead caving
Human-made tunnel that is fun to explore

Notes

    • Short walk to a tunnel; link here is to the parking

#3.Elkheart Cliffs Slot Canyon trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Sandy trail to dry, colorful slot canyon

Notes

    • Also called Diana's Throne canyon, it is short but beautiful; red walls are sculpted look a bit like a small Antelope canyon.
    • About a mile to the upper end of the narrows; some obstacles that may stop you (recommend bringing some webbing or a short rope)
    • A suitable parking area for Elkheart Cliffs Canyon is at the start of two sandy tracks that join the northeast side of US 89 between miles 78 and 79 (fine with a regular car)
    • There are many trails on the hillside; look for the one that heads down a steep, sandy slope into the wash. Head right once you hit the wash to find the canyon. Having an app like Gaia or All Trails is useful for this hike.
  • Lovely canyon; a bit of a sandy slog to get there but worth it.
    -- From visit in 2024

#4.Orderville Mine Rock Shop

shop

Notes

  • Meh, lots of uninteresting rocks.
    -- From visit in 2024

#5.The Rock Stop

shop

Notes

  • Rocks were fairly uninteresting, but they do have coffee!
    -- From visit in 2024

#6.Joe's Rock Shop

want to go shop

#7.Red Hollow Slot Canyon trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Short hike to a short, red walled slot canyon

Notes

    • Park at the fenced water facility (up a paved road in a subdivision).
    • Follow the narrow trail along the fence by the water facility and head down into the wash. If you go downstream, you will come to some interesting white rocks. Go upstream to visit the canyon. 
    • Canyon is relatively short and easy; might be pretty when the sun is high enough to get reflected light on the red walls.
  • When we went, there were tons of flies in the canyon, which made it fairly unpleasant (we decided to turn around). If we were in the area another time, I might try again when the sun is higher (but I wouldn't go out of my way).
    -- From visit in 2024

#8.Red Canyon Slot (Peek a boo) trail

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Short, dry, colorful slot canyon requiring a long sandy hike or 4 wheel drive

Notes

    • This is to the two-wheel drive trailhead right off the road; most people park here and take an off-roading vehicle up to the slot (need 4 wheel drive and high clearance)
    • Hiking from this trailhead is a 8.7 mile rt hike through deep sand

#9.Moqui Cave museum

museum
Museum with rocks and artifacts in cave

Notes

  • A bit kitchy, but has an interesting museum.

#10.Sand Caves trailhead

want to go trailhead caving
Human-made caves that are fun to explore

Notes

    • Half mile rt hike from parking lot (this is a link to the parking)
    • Go early in day or later in day for better light to photograph

#11.Nature's Showcase

shop
Interesting shop that sells locally quarried picture sandstone

Notes

  • I love this shop and always come out with at least one treasure.
    -- From visit in 2024

#12.Little Hollywood Movie Museum and Trading Post

museum shop

#13.Gunsmoke Movie Set

want to go historic site
Can't go inside but can see from road

Notes

    • View the old movie set
    • Visit Eagle Gate Arch (on the right as you drive up Johnson Canyon road, 3.1 miles from the junction with 89

#14.South Coyote Buttes (Vermillion Cliffs; Lone Tree trailhead)

want to go hiking / walking
Area of beautiful sandstone with waves and teepees

Notes

    • Requires a permit; only 20 people allowed to enter each day.
    • South Coyote Buttes has 2 areas to explore - Paw Hole and Cottonwood Cove. Both are easiest accessed with 4 wheel drive (but warning - you need to be comfortable driving in deep sand); alternatively, you can access the areas via the 2 wheel drive Lone Tree trailhead off House Rock road.
    • Several outfitters in the area also take people to South Coyote Buttes (if you secure a permit first). If you get one, consider hiring an outfitter to take you to White Pocket and South Coyote Buttes in one long day.

#15.North Coyote Buttes (The Wave, Vermillion Cliffs) trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Sandstone that flows like fabric; incredible

Notes

    • Ever since The Wave appeared in a European calendar, it has been a dream destination - and rightfully so. We were lucky enough to get permits for the Wave a few years ago, and yes, it lived up to the hype.
    • Access is strictly limited - and patrolled! - so be sure to secure a permit if you go. Permits are famously difficult to get, and you need to plan ahead (see links for more information).
    • 6.4 mile round trip hike (it can be HOT).
    • Also called Coyote Buttes North.
  • We won the in-person lottery!
    -- From visit in June 2015

#16.Upper Buckskin Gulch trailhead (to the Dive)

trailhead hiking / walking
Provides access to Edmaier's Secret and West Clark Bench (the Dive)

Notes

    • This trailhead provides access to a magical area of crossbedded sandstone, teepees, arches, and fins
    • House Rock road should be passable by most passenger cars when graded (if in doubt, check road conditions at the Paria Contact Station)
    • Early morning or late afternoon works well for photography

#17.Catstair Canyon West trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Short slot canyon hike to see a set of stacked cars

Notes

    • About 1 mile rt 
    • Park at the west entrance (which is just east of mile marker 25); proceed down canyon to see the cars, until you hit several down climbs
    • You can drive about a mile down 89 to another pull out (the other end of the canyon - east entrance) to see petroglyphs

#18.Paria Townsite

historic site rockhounding
Picnic area, scenic badlands, and a ghost town

Notes

    •  The day use area is 4.6 miles in on the Paria River Valley Road, a wide gravel road suitable to all vehicles (but avoid when wet!). 
    • At the day use area, there is a sign, parking lot, outhouse, and picnic tables.
    • There are no structures to see anymore, but the striped bluffs are incredibly scenic, especially in the afternoon - it is a lovely place for an afternoon picnic!
    • From the day use area, you can drive or walk another mile to the cemetery but you must cross several washes (best done in a high clearance vehicle). 
    • You can also visit this area by hiking from the Paria Box trailhead on the Cottonwood Canyon road.
    • Search the purple and gray mud hills and the gravel patches on the hills (as well as the wash) for agate, petrified wood.

#19.Paria Contact Station

visitor center
Stop off for the latest weather, road, and trail information

Notes

    • Great place to get the latest weather and road information for the area.
    • There is good cell service from the parking lot.
    • There is a water spigot outside.

#20.White Pocket trailhead

want to go
Area with scenic, white sandstone

Notes

    • Beware - this hike requires many hours of driving on roads with deep sand - be sure to do your research!
    • Alternatively, go with an area outfitter (there are many offering trips to White Pocket - and they are happy to tack on Coyote Buttes North/South if you get a permit)
    • This area doesn't require a permit - yet.

#21.Nautilus trail

trailhead hiking / walking
Very short hike up a wash to a neat sandstone feature

Notes

    • Less than 1 mile rt hike up the wash (campground side)

#22.White House Campground and Paria River trailhead

campground
Lovely campground and picnic spot with pit toilets

Notes

    • We really like this campground; it is in a picturesque location near sandstone hills you can explore and the camp sites are fairly large.
    • Campground is first come, first served
    • There is a wash between the campground and the main road, which can make the entrance road impassable after rain for a time.
    • It is near the Paria Contact Station, where you can get good information on road and trail conditions in the area, as well as flush toilets, water, and cell service.

#23.Toadstool Hoodoos trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Hike to some quirky sandstone formations

Notes

    • 1.5 miles (not sure if that's one way or rt)

#24.White Rocks trailhead

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Access to area of white rock hoodoos and Sidestep canyon

Notes

    • Trailhead is via BLM 435 - may be a 4wheel drive road (another source says TH is via K7065, which is an "easy dirt road" (ask at Contact Station)
    • Provides access to lower/upper White Rocks area (about a 4 hour loop) to see colorful hoodoos and provides access to Sidestep Canyon to the east (an area of slots and mushroom formations) 
    • White rocks loop - 
      • Follow "Way to Hoodoos" on Gaia up to Zebra hoodoo area; then backtrack and work way up to "Hoodoos White Rock" and the top of the mesa; from here can look over into Sidestep canyon (but finding a way down there is hard; to get to Sidestep - which has interesting mushroom formations and slots like Blue Wonder, go up Sidestep canyon from the Wahweap Hoodoos side)
      • Easiest way back to car is to follow jeep trail and walk cross country (follow green line on Gaia) to point where can cross wash back to car. Can also go down White Rocks Slot Canyon, but there may be a spot without a ladder that is hard to get over; would need webbing or ability to backtrack if necessary.
      • Excellent for sunset photos
    • Sidestep Canyon - 
      • Follow green, then yellow track cross country to way points to drop into the wash (path up a sand dune that can be easily seen from a distance); explore Sidestep from there
      • (per The Wave link below) Lower Sidestep can also be accessed by hiking up Wahweap Creek until the confluence with the West Fork and then hiking up the West Fork. This route is long and generally uninteresting until you reach the upper section of the West Fork. The route is 10-11 sandy but flat miles round trip from the Wahweap Creek trailhead. The 10-11 miles does not include any room for exploration.
      • Seldom Seen Adventures runs trips to Sidestep (and Blue Wonder slot)
    • See Photographing the Southwest vol 1 (The White Rock)

#25.Wahweap Hoodoos trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Hike to several sets of beautiful, white hoodoos, plus some bonus slot canyons to explore

Notes

    • 10+ mile hike down a wet wash to the hoodoos; you may get wet crossing the river (it is a bit of a slog)
    • This link goes to the 4 wheel drive trailhead - if you have a 2 wheel drive, cars should pass two fish hatcheries and a corral, then park on the right side of the road before Wahweap creek. If using 4WD, cars can pass over the Wahweap Creek and continue for .3 miles. There is a 4WD parking area and the trail begins in Wahweap Creek. Parking before the creek adds about ten minutes to the hike.
    • There are a few slot canyons to explore on the right side of the river (facing upstream)
    • It can be helpful to have a hiking app (like Gaia GPS) and trail descriptions to find the best groups of hoodoos and the slot canyons.

#26.Lone Rock Beach

campground beach lake swimming
Sandy beach access to Lake Powell, with camping right on the beach

Notes

  • If you don't have 4WD, ask the ranger for the best route down to the beach.
  • We've swam here multiple times, but never camped.

#27.Fiesta Mexicana Restaurant

restaurant
Giant margaritas with a side of Mexican food

Notes

  • The food is meh; the reason to go is the giant margaritas.

#28.Anasazi Valley trail

want to go rock art hiking / walking
Petroglyphs on boulders at the Santa Clara River Reserve

Notes

    • From the trailhead, take the 1.2 Tempi'po'op trail; a number of social trails are visible below the rim. Pick an easy one and look among the lava boulders to look for petroglyphs (source: Photographing the Southwest vol 1 p. 28)

#29.Snow Canyon State Park

campground park hiking / walking

Notes

    • There is a small visitor's centers and a campground that looked ok for RVs (but there are other, nicer campgrounds in the area).
    • There is a paved bike trail through the park that looks like it would be fun to do on an ebike.
    • Recommended hiking trails:
      • Jenny's Canyon (short slot; it was ok)
      • Hidden Pinyon Trail to the overlook (this had good views from the overlook)
      • Petrified Dunes trail (1 mile; haven't done yet)
      • Lava Flow Overlook area (bring flashlight to explore the lava tubes; after Lava Cave 3 trail goes to pretty white/red sandstone; haven't done yet) 
      • Scout Cave (haven't done yet)
      • Met someone who said if you drive up N through the park to I15 and go N there is a trailhead (he thought it was called Red Cliffs, but I think he meant White Rocks) that goes up to a white ridge with amazing views
    • Best viewed middle of the afternoon on, but not too late or in shadow; in September there is a Datura bloom (source: Photographing the Southwest Vol 1 p. 24)

#30.Red Reef trail

trailhead hiking / walking
Short, scenic hike that is popular (parking fills fast); dino prints nearby

Notes

    • Part of Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
    • 1.5 mile rt easy, scenic hike with arches and pictographs that becomes a wet slot after the moki steps (after that, can be ankle to neck deep; class 2-3 hiking; may want rope/webbing; up to 5 miles 1 way)
    • Very popular so parking fills fast on weekends and spring/fall - arrive EARLY; if all designated day-use parking is full, visitors may use the White Reef Trailhead as an overflow lot (per BLM)
    • Also dino footprints nearby trail head (see Gaia)
    • $5 for day use or America the Beautiful pass
    • Directions to Trailhead. Take Interstate 15 north to Exit 22. At the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto Old Highway 91. Travel south 2 miles and turn right. Continue under two freeway tunnels (tunnels restrict vehicle size to less than 12 feet in height and width) and follow the paved road for 1.3 miles into the campground.

#31.Candy Cliffs (Anna's Viewpoint) trail at Yant Flat

trailhead hiking / walking
Provides access to the scenic Candy Cliffs area

Notes

    • ~4-5 miles; longer if want (navigate through a bunch of trails to a distinct, worn trail)
    • Highlight was Yellow Top (follow Gaia trail, which curves to the left after arriving at the slick rock and goes down into a drainage; see greatamericanhikes description)
    • Can visit near sunset for good photos (but beware the drive back)
    • Access:
      • Accessible with a high clearance vehicle; road was decent when we went (don't go in rain; slow/bumpy; may have to ford small streams but we didn't; steep cliff edge to navigate without guard rails but it was fine if you are comfortable with this)
      • From St. George, take I-15 North to Leeds, Utah. Take Silver Reef Road (which becomes N Oak Grove Dr) to Danish Ranch Road. Google will take you to Yant Flats Trailhead / Anna’s Viewpoint Trail. No signs mark parking; you pass Yankee Doodle Canyon just before the trailhead
      • Tip: Call the Pine Valley Forest Ranger for info on road conditions before heading out - 435-783-4338

#32.Zion: The Subway trail (bottom up or top down exit trailhead)

trailhead hiking / walking
Semi-technical wet slot canyon requiring a permit

Notes

  • We have been waiting 11 years to do this - so glad we finally got the chance! It was well worth it.
    • Park here, at the Left Fork trailhead. If going top-down, get a shuttle to the start of the hike at the Wildcat Canyon trailhead (7 miles up the road)
    • Requires a permit
    • Book shuttles and rent gear from outfitters in Springdale (we booked a shuttle and rented wet suits, a back pack, helmets, and boots from Zion Adventures)
    • 8-10 miles
    • Solid, enjoyable adventure; the hardest part was initial route finding into the canyon (so bring a good trail description and an app like Gaia or All Trails)
    • The canyon is always changing, so ask about recent conditions before you go since many trail descriptions are out of date (for example, there is now a log jam at the bowling ball so you can't duck under it any more and need to go over it; when we were there, there was a webbing hand line someone had left behind - but you can't count on that)
    • The hike out is a bit slippery in the beginning and a full on slog by the end (often hot) - I would have given this 4 stars if it wasn't for the hike out

#33.Zion: Angel's Landing trail

trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • 5.2 miles rt, 1500 elevation; 2-3 hrs
    • Pick up the trail from the Grottos shuttle stop
    • Requires a permit
    • This hike exceeded our expectations; it really was super fun but you have to be comfortable with heights

#34.Zion: Narrows trail

trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • Starts at Temple of Sinawava shuttle stop
    • 6 miles rt to Orderville canyon; 10 miles rt to Big Spring (4-8 hours)
    • Does not require a permit for out and back day hike; does require a permit for the through hike
    • Can rent water shoes, hiking stick, water overalls at outfitters in town

#35.Zion: Observation Point via Echo Canyon hike (from Weeping Rock trailhead)

want to go trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • 8 miles rt, 5 hours
    • Leaves from Weeping Rock shuttle stop (NOTE: all trails in Weeping Rock are currently closed due to rock fall; can also pick up this trail from a different trailhead - but this is the trail to do if/when it reopens)
    • Goes through Echo canyon (semi-slot)
    • Outstanding views that rival Angel's Landing

#36.Zion: Cable mountain trail (from Stave Spring trailhead)

want to go trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • Hike up to Cable Mountain from the Stave Spring trail; about 8 miles rt (from Weeping Rock trail head in Zion valley it is 16 miles)
    • Good views from Cable Mountain
    • Trailhead reachable by most vehicles (avoid when wet)

#37.Zion: Canyon Overlook trail

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Short trail on Zion scenic drive that leads to an overlook

Notes

  • We saw this driving by; would like to go. There is a bathroom at the trailhead.

#38.Zion: Scenic drive through Mt. Carmel Tunnel

scenic drive
Rt 9 from Springdale winds through the park to the East Entrance Ranger Station

#39.Quail Creek Campground

campground
State park campground convenient to St. George and Zion.

Notes

  • A good campground, but certainly not one of our favorites in Utah.
    -- From visit on September 21, 2024

#40.Red Cliffs Campground

campground hiking / walking
Small, secluded BLM campground near dinosaur footprints and Red Reef trailhead.

Notes

  • Red Cliffs is a beautiful campground, but many spots don't have good flat spots for tents. It also has a nice day use area with shady picnic tables. 
  • We didn't stay (wish we had!), but walked through the campground.
    -- From visit on September 22, 2024

#41.Horsethief Bench & Mary's Loop (from Kokopelli trailhead)

trailhead biking
Fun mountain bike ride with desert scenery

Notes

    • About 13 miles depending on how you ride the loops

#42.Sego Canyon Petrogylphs

rock art
Area of excellent rock art, featuring tall, well-preserved pictographs

#43.Yellow Cat Flat (start of access road)

trailhead rockhounding
Area to search for agate, chert, jasper, petrified wood

Notes

    • Yellow Cat Flat is a large area, and the roads are of varying quality. High clearance is definitely needed. 
    • This road was in pretty good condition when we visited, and a good way to enter the Flat.
    • Additional research needed to determine exact locations to search (but in our experience, agate pebbles were all over).

#44.Copper Ridge Dinosaur Trackways

want to go geologic feature

#45.Klondike Bluffs Mountain Biking (south trailhead)

trailhead biking
Miles of excellent trails; this is the south trailhead

Notes

    • Trails are mainly moderate; some are more challenging
    • Klondike Bluffs is a favorite (9 miles rt, short hike to a view point at the end and dino tracks), as are the Jasper and Agate loops (of geologic interest)

Links

#46.Fisher Towers Trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
5 mile rt hike to scenic red rock spires

#47.KlonZo Trailhead

trailhead biking
Excellent collection of beginner to intermediate mountain bike trails

Links

#48.Brand trails parking

trailhead biking
Miles of excellent mountain biking, including some slick rock

Notes

    •  If renting bikes, grab a shuttle from Poison Spider Bicycles up to this excellent biking area, and then ride back into town when you are done.
    • Trails are moderate, some loops on slick rock

#49.Intestine Man Petroglyphs

rock art

#50.Arches National Park Visitor Center

park visitor center biking hiking / walking
Excellent park full of arches; requires timed entry passes certain times of the year

Notes

  • Enjoy short hikes to arches - some of our favorites include:
    • Delicate arch (especially around sunset)
    • Tunnel arch
    • Windows area
    • Balanced rock
    • Fiery furnace tour (book ahead of time through the park)

#51.Grandstaff Canyon Trail Head

trailhead geologic feature hiking / walking
4 mile rt hike to Morning Glory arch through Grandstaff canyon

Notes

    • The canyon is shaded, so this is a good hike when it is hot.

#52.Porcupine Rim West Trail Head

trailhead biking
Excellent mountain bike ride that is 14 miles point to point or a 30-mile loop

Notes

    • This is the trailhead to start from if you want the best parts of the trail, but requires a shuttle. 
    • You can also ride it as a loop; in that case, start from Moab near Sand Flats road or from the end of the ride at the Upper Colorado Scenic Byway.
    • You can lengthen this ride further by connecting with The Whole Enchilada.

#53.Slickrock Bike Trail

Epic Moab mountain bike trail; not for the faint of heart

#54.Poison Spider Bicycles

shop biking
Rents excellent mountain bikes for adventures around Moab

Notes

    • You can get their shuttle up to the Bar trails and then ride back to town when you are done
    • They also have some car carriers available

#55.Corona Arch Trailhead

want to go trailhead geologic feature hiking / walking
Excellent hike to a spectacular arch

Notes

  • 3 miles round trip, mostly on slick rock; view several other arches along the way

#56.Mill Creek North Fork Trailhead

trailhead rock art waterfall hiking / walking
Out and back hiking trail with waterfalls, rock art and ruins

Notes

    • Requires multiple stream crossings; plan footwear accordingly
    • Rock art is readily seen; you can also visit an alcove with metate and a cave with hand prints

#57.Birthing Scene Petroglyph

rock art

#58.Dead Horse Point State Park

campground park
Great views and a nice campground and mountain biking trails

Links

#59.Island in the Sky Visitor Center

park visitor center hiking / walking
Canyonlands district with Grand Canyon-like views, ruins, and hiking

#60.The Needles Visitor Center

rock art visitor center hiking / walking
District of Canyonlands with interesting hikes and Newspaper Rock petroglyph panel

#61.Utah 128 Scenic Drive

scenic drive
Scenic drive from I-70 to Moab along the Colorado River.

Notes

  • For at least one direction to/from Moab, you should take the scenic route along the Colorado.

#62.Burro Wash Slot Canyon trail head

want to go trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • 8 miles rt if explored from the bottom (the non-technical route)
    • There is a trail head parking area off Notom road; don't drive up the wash
    • Likely to encounter pools

#63.Cottonwood Wash trail head

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Slot canyon in Capitol Reef

Notes

    • 6 miles rt
    • Trail head located right off Notom road
    • Likely to encounter deep pools
    • Can climb up and look down on the pools; very scenic (see American Southwest description)
    • Good camping on the W side of the road

#64.Sheets Gulch trail head

trailhead hiking / walking
Long, beautiful slot canyon in Capitol Reef

Notes

    • Enjoyable, not too technical slot canyon; 10-20 miles rt depending on when you turn around
    • Includes a scenic arch part way up the canyon
    • Can be pools, but we didn't encounter any that were not passable
    • Can find petrified wood in the wash

#65.Anasazi State Park Museum

want to go cultural site museum

#66.Burr Trail Road

scenic drive
Scenic road connecting Boulder UT to the Notom Rd in Capital Reef

Notes

    • Generally passable by passenger cars (part paved, part dirt)

#67.Upper Muley Twist Canyon (2 wheel drive TH)

trailhead hiking / walking
Slot canyon with arches in Capital Reef

Notes

    • This marks the 2 wheel drive trailhead; 3 miles down the road is the 4 wheel drive trailhead 
    • Typically requires 4WD; sharp/pointy rocks; check with Capital Reef visitor center for road conditions before driving [(435) 425-3791, press 1 for more information, 4 for current road conditions]
    • 14 miles rt from 2 wheel drive TH; 9 miles rt from 4 wheel drive TH

#68.Surprise Canyon trail head

trailhead hiking / walking
Short but colorful slot canyon

Notes

    • 2 miles rt
    • Trail head right off Notom road

#69.Headquarters Canyon trail head

trailhead hiking / walking
Short and sweet slot canyon

Notes

    • 2.5-3.5 miles rt
    • Can explore 2 forks (see American Southwest guide)

#70.Lower Muley Twist trail head

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Hike through a narrow canyon with overhanging walls

Notes

    • 17 miles rt
    • Perhaps not as interesting as Upper Muley Twist (where you can see arches); this hike is more about seeing undercuts
    • Supposedly good views and a cowboy camp to see (per Roadtrip Ryan)

#71.Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

campground park geologic feature
Great camping option for tents or RVs just outside Escalante. Bonus: a short hike to see petrified logs.

#72.Little Death Hollow trail head

trailhead hiking / walking
Excellent hike through a long slot canyon

Notes

    • Need high clearance, maybe 4 wheel drive vehicle to reach trail head
    • 20-22 mile round trip hike
    • Can go down Little Death and back up Wolverine, but we found Wolverine uninteresting except for all of the petrified wood in the wash; recommend going back through Little Death once reaching Horse Canyon
    • Some waist to chest deep water 
    • Lots of petrified wood in the area

#73.Escalante River trailhead (access to Hundred Handprints)

trailhead rock art hiking / walking

Notes

    • This trailhead provides access to The Hundred Handprints pictographs - see Photographing the Southwest Volume 1 p. 141

#74.Kiva Koffeehouse

coffee shop
Great coffee with an amazing view on the route between Escalante and Boulder.

#75.Cosmic Ashtray trailhead (from Spencer Flats/Old Sheffield Road)

want to go trailhead geologic feature hiking / walking

Notes

    • Trailhead for an 8 mile rt hike to see Cosmic Ashtray; trailhead is 5.8 miles down the Old Sheffield Road (generally well maintained but dirt)
    • Hike is very exposed; do in spring or fall
    • Will pass areas of moki marbles on the way to the trailhead
    • Can poke down Big Horn canyon slot (non technical) on the way
    • Can also get to Cosmic Ashtray via Harris Wash trailhead from Hole in the Rock Road (but requires a sandy 4 wheel drive) 

#76.Moqui hill (place to see Moqui marbles)

want to go geologic feature

#77.Zebra & Tunnel Slots trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Slot with beautiful pink and white striped walls

Notes

    • There can be water at the entrance to Zebra
    • Bring some webbing in case you climb up the pour off at the top

#78.Kodachrome Basin State Park

campground park geologic feature hiking / walking
Beautiful park with an excellent campground

#79.Willis Creek Slot Canyon trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Scenic slot with a small river running through it

Notes

    • Beautiful slot that ends at Sheep Creek (no obstacles)
    • There are petroglyphs on the hill at the confluence and down Sheep Creek (if you go left from Willis; on the left wall, blue)

#80.Upper Dry Fork trail head (Peek a boo, Spooky, Brimstone slots)

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Excellent slot canyons

Notes

    • 5 miles for the Peek a boo/Spooky loop; another 3 to add on Brimstone

#81.Bull Valley Gorge trailhead

want to go trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • There can be deep, cold water in this canyon

#82.Round Valley Draw trailhead

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Fun slot canyon

Notes

    • Slot entrance can be a little tricky to down climb
    • May want to bring a few loops of webbing (10m)
    • Don't park in the wash

#83.Head of Sinbad Pictograph trail head

trailhead rock art hiking / walking

Notes

    • Interesting and detailed pictograph; there are others in the area as well at Locomotive Point (but we couldn't find them!)
    • We were able to drive up to the panel in a high clearance vehicle, but roads can be sandy and poor - use judgement 
    • Dutchman arch, Swasey Cabin and the Ice Box are also in this area
    • Link below (gjhikes) includes a map of many other rock art sites in this area

#84.Dutchman Arch trail head

want to go trailhead geologic feature

Notes

    • Unsure this is the exact trailhead; check Gaia
    • Unsure of road conditions, but likely ok
    • Head of Sinbad pictograph, Lone Warrior pictograph, Swasey Cabin and the Ice Box are also in this area

#85.Swasey Cabin

trailhead historic site

Notes

    • Cabin built in 1921 by the Swasey brothers
    • Not entirely sure of the roads, but probably ok for a passenger car
    • There is a restroom near here
    • Also check out The Ice Box (near here) per Roadtrip Ryan
    • Dutchman arch, Lone Warrior pictograph, Head of Sinbad pictograph are also near here
    -- Photographing the Southwest book (vol 1, I think)
  • This was mildly amusing, if you are in the area.
    -- From visit on October 3, 2024

#86.Hatt Ranch rock collecting area

want to go rockhounding
Area to find agate, grape agate, celestite geodes, and more

Notes

    • This is the entrance to the ranch from rt 24; this is an area of dirt roads, so high clearance is best (avoid when wet)

#87.Moonshine Wash Trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Excellent non-technical slot canyon

Notes

    • Very enjoyable non-technical slot canyon
    • It is possible to do a loop by traveling up the West Fork (although when we went, there were some challenging technical spots, which included a pool we had to swim)
    • Doing the loop requires good route-finding skills to get back to your car
    • This canyon is remote, and getting there requires many miles of driving on dirt roads. Be sure you are prepared (avoid the roads when wet, bring a high-clearance vehicle, emergency supplies, etc.).

#88.Old Woman Wash trail head

want to go trailhead hiking / walking
Possibly interesting canyon with rock art

Notes

    • Maybe interesting canyon to explore

#89.Farnsworth Canyon

want to go trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • Looks like an interesting canyon with rock art

#90.Temple Mountain Wash Pictograph Panel

rock art

#91.South Temple Wash Campground

campground
A BLM campground that is an alternative to camping at Goblin Valley State Park.

Notes

  • We stopped by but didn't camp. Seems like a fine, basic, convenient campground but nothing special.
    -- From visit on October 8, 2024

#92.Wild Horse Window and Wild Horse Canyon trail head

trailhead hiking / walking
Hike to a large alcove with a sky light and a slot canyon with petroglyphs

#93.Crack Canyon Trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
6.5 mile out and back slot canyon in the Swell

Notes

    • Not as much fun as the other slots in the area, but still a pleasant day's outing
    • Petrified wood can be found in the wash
    • Access road is dirt; avoid when wet, best with high clearance

#94.Little Wildhorse Canyon and Bell Canyon loop hike trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Fun loop hike through 2 fairly easy slot canyons

Notes

    • 8 miles rt
    • Road to trail head is paved
    • Can find petrified wood along the road between the canyons
  • You can find petrified wood on the road between the canyons. It is across the road from some large boulders, in this area.

#95.Ding and Dang Slot Canyons Trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking

Notes

    • Need a high clearance vehicle to get to the trailhead
    • About 5 miles rt
    • Dang is more technical; better to go down it - there are a few ~10 ft drops that may require a rope or webbing (we found that webbing had already been installed, and were able to use it - but if it hadn't been there, I would have wanted my own to help us make it down).
    • Can have deep water in it, sometimes you can stem over it

#96.Goblin Valley State Park

campground park geologic feature hiking / walking
One of our favorite state parks! Enjoy wandering among the goblins (hoodoos).

Notes

  • There's wifi at the visitor center, but otherwise no cell coverage.
  • The park campground is excellent (especially if your site is in the shade in the afternoon), but is usually booked. If you can't get a spot in the campground, there is ample dispersed camping in the park and in surrounding areas, as well as nearby BLM campgrounds.

#97.Goblin's Lair Trailhead

trailhead hiking / walking
Provides access to an interesting cave

#98.Great Gallery of Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead

trailhead rock art hiking / walking
8 mile rt hike to a large, well preserved pictograph panel

Notes

    • This hike is remote and requires many miles of driving on dirt roads. 
    • Best with a high clearance vehicle; avoid when wet
    • Enter from the Hanksville side (better roads).

#99.Skyline rim overlook

geologic feature scenic drive
Incredible view of a grey desert moonscape

Notes

  • Requires a high clearance vehicle

#100.Rockin Riddle Rock Shop

want to go shop rockhounding
Wonderful rock shop in Hanksville; can provide info on regional rockhounding

#101.Stan's Burger Shak

restaurant
Burgers, fries, and THICK shakes.

Notes

  • Roughly 75% of the time we pass through Hanksville, we've been craving burger, fries, and a milkshake from Stan's.

#102.Capitol Reef National Park (northern section)

want to go park visitor center hiking / walking
Northern Capitol Reef offers many fun hikes

Notes

  • Some fun sights/hikes include:
    • Navajo Knobs hike
    • The Behunin cabin (off the main road) - it is especially striking around sunset
    • Sulphur creek looks interesting as well
    • Fern's nipple (class 3/4 scramble) is on my list

#103.Fish Creek Rock Art Panel and Waterfall

want to go trailhead rock art waterfall hiking / walking
Excellent pictograph panel and hike to a small waterfall

Notes

    • Excellent rock art panel. Continue on the scenic trail toward a waterfall within a canyon. 
    • Find the panel here.
    • The waterfall is here.

#104.Moonhouse Ruins trailhead

trailhead rock art hiking / walking